Who I am

I am Zubila Shafiq, a Clinical Pharmacist Practitioner at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, board certified in geriatric pharmacy. I am also a mother of two school-aged boys, a daughter of Pakistani immigrants, and a person who cares deeply about community, service, and honest conversations about grief.

I help older adults manage complex health needs with clarity and calm. I believe in whole-person care, strong relationships, and straightforward education that families can use right away.

My story

I am the firstborn daughter of immigrant parents who sought asylum in the United States due to religious persecution. Both of my parents have passed away, my father from pancreatic cancer at 50 and my mother after being struck by a drunk driver in 2023.

In 2024, Hurricane Helene devastated Western North Carolina and my separated husband died in the flooding. I took time away from the VA, then returned part time.

These losses reshaped how I see health, work, parenting, and purpose.

Family and parenting

I am raising two energetic, curious boys who are both ADHD. I am learning how to parent neurodivergent kids with patience and structure while also caring for my own anxiety, grief, and trauma.

I want my sons to be kind humans, open to learning, and proud of their Canadian and U.S. roots.

Professional background

  • Board Certified Geriatric Pharmacist with nearly 15 years in geriatrics
  • Clinical Pharmacist Practitioner at the VA, chronic disease management and whole health
  • Moderator for a national geriatric pharmacy teleconference
  • Service and leadership across school PTO, local HOA, and ASCP
  • Past service with the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps
  • I enjoy clinical care and also love administrative work, quality improvement, and leading small teams

Education and early path

I was born in Queens, raised in South Florida, studied at the University of Florida and Nova Southeastern University, completed residency in White River, Arizona, and later moved to Buffalo and then Asheville in 2013.

I navigated the U.S. immigration process for my late husband on my own, which taught me perseverance and advocacy.

What I am building next

As the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Helene approaches on 9-27-2025, I feel called to create an in-person grief support group for children in Asheville.

I have not started fundraising yet, and I am gathering an interest list, partners, and simple systems so families can count on regular meetings and practical help.

Join the interest list by clicking here.

Interests that shape me

  • Functional and integrative medicine, medical tourism, and careful risk-benefit thinking
  • Budget travel, points and miles, and simple personal finance
  • Moving from optimizer to satisficer, and recovering from perfectionism
  • Podcast listener and sometimes creator. I co-started The Khatta Meetha Podcast with my brother after our mom died. We recorded ten episodes and I hope to return to a creative outlet that shares our family’s story.

In memory

My mother, also a pharmacist, began a book titled The Reality of the Dot. We published it after her passing. My late husband worked in community pharmacy and loved connecting with patients. Their lives continue to inspire the way I care for people.

How I can help

  • Medication reviews for older adults in clinical settings
  • Education for families and caregivers about chronic disease and safer prescribing
  • Speaking with community groups about grief, resilience, and practical health habits
  • Partnering with local leaders to launch the Asheville children’s grief group

Quick facts

  • Extrovert who gains energy from people and service
  • Spreadsheet fan who compares benefits plans every year
  • Still traveling with my boys, just more thoughtfully and on a budget
  • Living and working in Asheville, North Carolina

The End

To keep reading, visit my blog here for my latest articles.